Half-hour parking fee to expand following positive feedback

[Photo; Rica Diputado]

Following positive user feedback, the Transport Bureau (DSAT) plans to further expand the “half-hour charging” policy to cover more parking lot facilities.

The measure, implemented last year in selected facilities, seemed to appeal to many users, representatives from DSAT said during the public broadcaster’s radio program “TDM Forum.”

DSAT representative Ip Wai Keong also noted that the “first 15 minutes free” policy for outdoor parking lots aims to provide adequate parking solutions in central urban areas, making it convenient for drivers to park for brief periods rather than illegally.

Also at the program, the vice president of the Macao New Chinese Youth Association, Lao Cho Chon, expressed that the flexible charging measures for public parking lots have had positive effects and gained public support.

“This reduces the costs for drivers parking briefly and encourages more drivers to use public parking, which, in the long run, can also reduce road congestion caused by street parking.”

Tang Man Kei, the vice chairman of the General Union of Neighbourhood Associations of Macao, noted that driver feedback supports a flexible charging model for all public parking lots.

He believes these measures more accurately address drivers’ needs, more effectively redistribute resources, significantly improve traffic flow, and promote a better use of public resources. He also said to hope the government will release more land plots for temporary parking lots in the future. RD